Former lapdancer Sarah Purnell has confirmed reports linking her to England footballer Ashley Cole.

Yesterday, a Sunday newspaper claimed that the pair had started dating following Ashley's split from wife Cheryl.

Speaking to The Sun, mother-of-one Purnell commented: "It's true. But it's early days."

Ashley is thought to have met the 23-year-old at a London club five weeks ago and been in daily contact with her since then. Sources say that Sarah is "over the moon" about the romance.

Cheryl and Ashley's divorce is expected to be finalised this month after the X Factor judge officially launched proceedings two weeks ago.

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Daniel has been writing about soaps on Digital Spy since 2004 and took over as Soaps Editor in 2010.  
He has interviewed hundreds of soap stars over the years, from Bill Roache to Lacey Turner, and regularly visits the sets of Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks for behind-the-scenes trips and press events.  
He has served as an awards judge on numerous occasions for the likes of the BAFTA TV Awards, RTS Programme Awards and British Soap Awards. In 2020, he was Highly Commended for Best Section Editor at the BSME Awards.